News Blotter

9-4-18

Sep 04, 2018 02:08 PM

by Administrator

Sheriff Clint Hammonds reports several arrests, beginning with three on August 8, 2018. Mary Keck 38 of Austin, Texas was arrested on a warrant stemming from driving while license invalid and has since posted bond. Cecilia Rangel Mata 20 of Austin, Texas was stopped for driving 93 M.P.H. in a 75 M.P.H. zone. Deputies approached the vehicle and immediately smelled burning marijuana emitting from inside. Mata was placed under arrest for possession of marijuana in a drug free zone and made bond the following day. Later that same evening, 22 year old Thomas Edwardo Garza Sr. of Austin was stopped on US 84 east of Goldthwaite for fail to dim headlamps at approaching vehicles. Contact was made with Garza where he immediately became uncooperative with Deputies. Garza would not identify himself so he was removed from the vehicle and placed into handcuffs. Garza later admitted that he did not possess a driver’s license and during the deputies patting down Garza for weapons he was found to be in possession of marijuana. Garza was charged with possession of marijuana and placed in the Mills County Jail.

On August 21 thru the 23rd Mills County Deputies spent most of the week testifying in a possession of methamphetamine and endangering a child case in the 35th Judicial District Court. Former Mills County resident, Justin Allen Lee 36 years of age stood trial before Judge Stephen Ellis stemming from a search warrant that was executed in 2017 on Farm Road 572. As a result of the trial Lee was sentenced by Judge Ellis to a total of 50 years confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Also on August 21, 2018 36 year old Phillip Eugene Jones of Goldthwaite turned himself into the Mills County Jail for a parole violation and is still currently in custody. On August 25, 2018, 40 year old Edward Evans of Mullin was stopped for an equipment violation on Fisher Street. During the contact, the Deputy could smell the odor of burnt marijuana emitting from inside the vehicle. Evans surrendered the remaining marijuana in his possession and was placed under arrest for possession of marijuana in a drug free zone. On August 29, 2018 24 year old Brian Wayne Hopson of Denver, CO was arrested for a warrant for failure to appear on possession of a controlled substance and since made bond. On this same date, 23 year old Christopher Scott Kistner was arrested on Fourth Street for driving while license suspended. On August 31, 2018, at approximately 10:00 PM, deputies were dispatched to a car accident in the 1400 block of Queen Street. Deputies arrived and found that a vehicle had drove through a residence and the driver had fled the scene. The driver was identified as 25 year old Kiefer Lee Wilson of Goldthwaite. Citizens and deputies began looking for Wilson and he was spotted several times but continued to elude deputies until approximately 1:45 AM where he was found on a bicycle and arrested for public intoxication. This case is still under investigation and further charges may be pending.

Finally on September 1, 2018, deputies responded to a report of man with a gun on Fisher Street and arrived and found that the victim was on an adjacent property shooting guns. Victim stated 33 year old Joseph Charles Valadez, manager of the Eagles Nest RV Park in Goldthwaite, had displayed some type of rifle and made some aggressive comments towards the victim and his family. Valadez was placed under arrest for the offense of Deadly Conduct and several firearms were seized from the residence. This case is still ongoing and investigators will look into the option also of indicting Valadez for felony aggravated assault charges in the 35th Judicial District Court. Valadez was taken into custody and made bond the next day.

Sheriff Clint Hammonds reported that on August 10th at approximately 10:45 P.M. deputies with the Mills County Sheriff’s Office executed a narcotics search warrant at a residence in Goldthwaite. Deputies were following up on a Crime Stoppers report of illegal drugs being distributed from a residence located at 86 TX16 South. Two apartments were searched during the investigation resulting in the seizure of approximately 9 grams of methamphetamines and an indoor marijuana grow. There were approximately 9 marijuana plants being grown in the residence. The grow lights and other contraband were seized during the search. Sheriff Hammonds said "My deputies did an awesome job on this case and I foresee other arrests in the future." Those arrested were 30 year old Heather Nicole Hampton of Goldthwaite, who arrived during the execution of the search warrant, and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine in her vehicle along with two residents who were identified as 68 year old Shari Taylor and 49 year old Matthew Jackson. Both were charged with possession of marijuana and felony possession of methamphetamine.

On 6/30/18 Deputy Daniel Garza responded to a report of a male subject attempting to pay for merchandise with counterfeit money. Deputy Garza identified the male as 61 year old Ronald Hartley. Hartley had attempted to pay for the merchandise with a counterfeit $100 bill. Deputy Garza found that Hartley had several more of the bills in his possession which he claimed he had received after selling some vehicle parts. Hartley was unable to pay for the merchandise he had already received. Deputy Garza arrested Hartley for Forgery and Theft of Service. Hartley was later released on $10,000 bond.

On 7/04/2018 a Search Warrant was served on a residence located on CR 310 in Goldthwaite. During the search warrant several firearms were recovered including stolen firearms from a recent Burglary of a Habitation in Mills County. There was also a small amount of Methamphetamine recovered in the Home. As a result of the search warrant an Arrest Warrant for Theft of a Firearm/Enhanced was issued for 41 year old Jason Higginbotham. Higginbotham was later arrested on the warrant by Deputy Daniel Garza during a traffic stop. Higginbotham was later released on $15,000 bond.

On 7/13/2018 27 year old William Holman was arrested in Dewitt County on an outstanding Mills County warrant for Failure to Appear on the charge of Driving While License Invalid. Holman was later released on $2,000 bond

On 7/18/18 Chief Deputy Chris Green arrested 23 year old Nathan Gonzales after he was sentenced to 12 months State Jail and 5 years TDC time in District Court.

On 7/19/2018 33 year old Andrew Heath turned himself in to the Mills County Sheriff’s Office on an outstanding Mills County warrant for Theft by Check. Heath was later released on $1,000 bond.

On 7/19/18 18 year old Jaycee Lenz was arrested in Brown County on an outstanding Mills County warrant for Motion to Adjudicate/ Assault on a Peace Officer. Lenz was later released on $10,000 bond.

On 7/23/18 Deputy Johnny Brown, Investigator Stephanie Brown and Deputy John Fincher were directing traffic on Hwy 84 West at FM 573 during the fire outside Zephyr. Investigator Brown noticed a red Ford Focus with its windows down as they approached the roadblock. Investigator noticed the smell of burnt Marijuana coming from the vehicle. Deputy Brown continued the investigation and after a probable cause search of the vehicle numerous drug paraphernalia items were located along with glass jar containing Marijuana. During the search a firearm was also located. One of the passengers, 21 year old Elija Parker claimed all of the items belonged to him. Parker was arrested for Possession of Marijuana <2oz and Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon. Parker was later released on $3,500 bonds.

On 7/28/18 41 year old Ronnie Myers was served with two arrest warrants while he was serving weekends on charges of Violation of a Protective Order. The warrants, from Mills County, were for Violation of Bond/Violation of Protective Order and Violation of Bond/Protective Order/Motion to Adjudicate. Myers was later released on $2,000 bond.

On 8/01/2018 30 year old Jessica Hansen was sentenced during District Court to 6 months State Jail time for Possession of a Controlled Substance <1g.

On 8/01/18 34 year old Charis Threats was sentenced during District Court to Safe P and 10 months deferred probation on a Possession of a Controlled Substance = 400 GRAMS charge.

On 8/02/2018 Investigator Stephanie Brown conducted a traffic stop on a red Dodge truck. The driver was identified as 31 year old Valerie Stegemoller. During the stop it was determined that Stegemoller was driving on a suspended license, did not have current vehicle insurance and the registration was expired on the vehicle. Stegemoller was arrested on these charges. Stegemoller was later released on $2,000 bond.

Sheriff Hammonds reports several arrests during the end of April through the end of June.

On 4/25/2018 Deputy Johnny Brown arrested 31 year old Chasity Davis after she was returned from Travis County to the Mills County Jail on a warrant for Motion to Revoke on an original charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance PG1<1g. Davis was sentenced by the District Court to serve 9 months in State Jail.

On 4/25/2018 Mills County Judge sentenced 44 year old Victor Bostick to 30 days in the Mills County Jail for a charge of Resisting Arrest.

On 4/30/2018 Deputy Johnny Brown conducted a traffic stop on a reported suspicious vehicle. It was determined that the call was related to an ongoing verbal dispute between to individuals via Instagram. During the investigation it was determined that the driver, 24 year old Reynaldo Mendoza was driving on a suspended Florida License. Mendoza was placed under arrest. Mendoza was later released on $1,500 bond.

On 5/03/2018 29 year old Ruben Mendez was returned to the Mills County Jail from Reeves County for outstanding Mills County Warrants for Bail Jumping/Failure to Appear.

On 5/09/2018 27 year old Regina Saranglao and 33 year old Dustin Beardsley-Cox turned themselves in to the Mills County Jail on outstanding warrants for Possession of Marijuana. They were later released on $1,000 PR bond.

On 5/09/2018 32 year old Kendra Lee turned herself into the Mills County Jail on a Mills County warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance PG1. She was released on $5,000 bond.

On 5/21/2018 Deputy Johnny Brown conducted a traffic stop on a Nissan passenger car on Hwy 183 South. The vehicles driver was identified as 28 year old Tyler Mutz along with a passenger identified as 28 year old Krystal Thornton. During a consensual search of the vehicle drug paraphernalia was located. Both were issued citations for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Mutz was arrested for Driving While License Invalid. She was later released on $1,000 PR bond.

On 5/21/2018 36 year old Justin Lee was ordered into custody by District Judge Steve Ellis during court. Judge Ellis raised Lee’s bonds on his original drug and Child Endangerment charges after it was learned that Lee had been arrested on several new Felony charges in Tom Green County after Lee led Law Enforcement on a multi County chase. Lee remains in custody.

On 6/02/2018 Deputy Daniel Garza responded to a report of a reckless driver on Hwy 183 South. Deputy Garza located the vehicle in the Goldthwaite City Park. Deputy Garza identified the driver and passengers and after some investigation and a consensual search of the vehicle, the driver 39 year old Eddie Gutierrez was arrested for Possession of Marijuana >2oz in a Drug Free Zone. He was released on $2,500 bond.

On 6/02/2018 41 year old William Wilson turned himself into the Mills County Jail on a Parole warrant for 3 counts of Burglary of a Habitation. Wilson remains in custody.

On 6/03/2018 Deputy Daniel Garza conducted a traffic stop on a green Ford Ranger on Maple St. The driver was identified as 40 year old Edward Evans. It was determined that the registration on the vehicle had expired in 2014. Evans was arrested for Expired Registration and Altered License Plates. He was later released on a $500 PR bond.

On 6/03/2018 Deputy John Fincher responded to a report of a suspicious person at Schwartz Food Store. Deputy Fincher identified the subject as 53 year old Rojelio Tijerina. It was determined that Tijerina had a warrant out of Def Smith County for Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Correctional Facility. Tijerina was placed under arrest for the warrant and later released to Def Smith County.

On 6/08/2018 Investigator Stephanie Brown conducted a traffic stop on a green Ford Ranger adjacent to the court house. The driver, 40 year old Edward Evans was arrested for Expire Registration after it was determined the registration had expired in 2014 and he had been warned several times and arrested for the same recently. He was later released on $750 bond.

On 6/16/2018 Deputy John Fincher responded to a report of a Domestic Disturbance on FM 575. It was reported that 24 year old Dylan McClendon had brandished a knife and threatened members of his family with it. Deputy Fincher determined through interviews that McClendon had in fact done this and McClendon was arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. He was later released on $30,000 bond.

On 6/23/2018 Deputy James Purcell arrested 27 year old Briana Edwards at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office after she returned to the jail to pick up her remaining commissary money after being released on 6/17/2018. It was determined that a new warrant had been issued for Edwards from McLennan County for Motion to Adjudicate-False Report. She was later released on $2,000 bond.

On 6/26/2018 Deputy Daniel Garza was dispatched to a disturbance at the Road Runner Trailer Park. Deputy Garza identified a suspect as 30 year old Kelley Covey. Covey was arrested for Public Intoxication. Covey was released several days later after time served.

On 6/26/2018 Deputy Daniel Garza responded to a report of a Domestic Disturbance on Pine St. During the investigation it was determined that 37 year old Michael Gillis had prevented the victim from contacting 911. Gillis was arrested for Interference with Emergency Telephone Call. He was later released on $2,500 PR bond.

On 6/28/2018 Deputy Daniel Garza conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Hwy 183 South. After a consensual search of the vehicle 34 year old David Campbell was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of a Dangerous Drug. He was later released on $3,500 bond.

Sheriff Hammonds reports numerous arrests in Mills County during the months of February through April. On February 13, DPS Trooper Lorenzo Arroyo conducted a traffic stop on a black SUV driven by 20 year old Alexis Marie Gonzalez of Austin, Texas. During the stop, consent to search the vehicle was given by Gonzalez and Trooper Arroyo located Marijuana, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine pills and three Texas drivers Licenses belonging to other individuals. Gonzalez was arrested for Possession of Marijuana,(< 2oz), Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2 (>1g <4g), and Possession of more than one Driver’s License. She was later released on bonds totaling $9,500.On February 18, Deputy Daniel Garza conducted a traffic stop on a Ford truck on Hwy 84 West. The driver was identified as 38 year old Jeremy Philip Whitley of Brownwood, Texas. During a check of Whitley’s driver’s license it was found that the license was suspended and he had several previous charges of driving with an invalid license. Whitley was arrested for Driving While License Invalid with Previous Convictions. On February 18, DPS Trooper Clayton Arredondo arrested 48 year old Michael Jamison Groh for Driving While License Invalid with Previous Convictions and Possession of Marijuana (<2oz). He was later released on bonds totaling $2,750. On February 20, Deputy John Fincher arrested 36 year old Justin Allen Lee of San Angelo on a warrant during District Court. The warrant was for Endangering a Child, Criminal Negligence. He was later released on $15,000 bond.On February 24, Deputy Daniel Garza conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota SUV on Hwy 84 East. The driver was identified as 58 year old Richard Lynn Spivey of Boerne, Texas. During the stop Deputy Garza learned that Spivey had an outstanding warrant from Hamilton County for Motion to Revoke/Driving While Intoxicated/3rd or more. Deputy Garza arrested Spivey for the warrant and also charged him with having no driver’s license and speeding, 96mph in a 75mph zone. On February 25, Deputy John Fincher responded to a report of a possible intoxicated driver on FM 573 near Mullin. Deputy Fincher located the vehicle, a black Ford pickup, and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver was identified as 32 year old William Seth Williams. Deputy Fincher determined that Williams was intoxicated and as a result he was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. He was later released on $1,000 bond. On February 25, Deputy Daniel Garza conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge pickup in Goldthwaite. Deputy Garza identified the driver as 37 year old John David Ritter of Goldthwaite. It was determined that Ritter had a suspended license, a 2 year old child not in a proper safety seat and an open container of alcohol. Ritter was arrested for Driving While License Invalid with Previous Convictions. He was also issued citations for Driving with No Insurance and Open Container. He was later released on $2,750 bond. On February 26, Deputy Johnny Brown responded to a report of an assault that had occurred at Mullin School. During the investigation it was determined that 18 year old Cody Wayne Couch of Star, Texas had assaulted another student that was mentally handicapped. Further investigation revealed that the incident had been captured on video. With the assistance with Investigator Stephanie Brown, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Couch. Couch was soon arrested on the warrant for Injury to a Child/Elderly/Disabled with Intent of Bodily Injury. He was later released on $5,000 bond. On February 27, DPS Trooper Clayton Arredondo conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 23 year old Nathan Blake Gonzales of Brownwood, Texas. During the stop Trooper Arredondo smelled the odor of burnt Marijuana. During a probable Cause search of the vehicle approximately 3 ½ pounds of Marijuana was located. Gonzales was arrested for Possession of Marijuana >4oz < 5lbs. He was later released on $5,000 bond. On February 28, Deputy James Purcell was assigned as Bailiff for District Court. During Court 34 year old Matthew Joe Lopez of San Saba, Texas was found guilty of Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled substance (Methamphetamine) in a Drug Free Zone and was sentenced to 6 years in TDC. Deputy Purcell arrested Lopez and transported him to the Mills County Jail awaiting transfer to TDC. On March 2, 22 year old Brittany Jayde Pence of Cisco, Texas was returned to the Mills County Jail on outstanding warrants resulting from an investigation in September of 2016. The investigation was by Deputy Johnny Brown and included offenses of Burglary of a Habitation and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. On March 3, DPS Trooper Lorenzo Arroyo conducted a traffic stop on a Jeep SUV on Hwy 183. The driver was identified as 41 year old Joseph John Ward of Austin, Texas. During the stop Trooper Arroyo detected the odor of burnt marijuana. During a probable Cause search a quantity of Marijuana was located. Ward was arrested for Possession of Marijuana (<2oz). He was later released on $1,000 bond. On March 3, DPS Trooper Lorenzo Arroyo conducted a traffic stop on a Jeep SUV. The driver was identified as David Anthony Wilson of Sacramento, California. During the stop Trooper Arroyo noticed items of Drug paraphernalia in plain view. During a Probable Cause search a quantity of Marijuana and Methamphetamine were located. Wilson was arrested for Possession of Marijuana (<2oz) and Possession of a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine, (>4g <200g). He was later released on $16,000 bond.On March 6, DPS Trooper Jeffrey Owens conducted a traffic stop on a Honda passenger van on Hwy 84 West. The driver was identified as 32 year old Charisse Mauri Monceaux of Austin, Texas. The passenger was identified as 26 year old Victoria Larae Lomas of Abilene, Texas. Trooper Owens determined that Monceaux driver’s license was suspended and the vehicle did not have insurance. Monceaux was arrested for Driving While License Invalid with Previous Convictions. During a subsequent interview Monceaux admitted to the presence of Drug Paraphernalia in the vehicle and that she had Heroin hidden on her person. During a probable cause search of the vehicle multiple syringes containing amounts of Heroin were located. There was also quantity of Cocaine located in the vehicle. During a strip search at the jail, Investigator Stephanie Brown located a quantity of Heroin and Methamphetamine hidden inside Monceaux’s pants. Monceaux was arrested on multiple charges including several counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, PG1 (>1g <4g), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Tampering/Fabricating Physical Evidence, False Driver’s License/ID, and Driving While License Invalid with Previous Convictions. She remains in Custody. With bonds totaling $38,500. Lomas was also charged with 1 count of Possession of a Controlled substance PG1 (<1g) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Lomas was later released on $8,200 bond. On March 8, Deputy Johnny Brown responded to a report from workers with CPS that an individual with multiple outstanding warrants was traveling from Lampasas towards Goldthwaite with a known individual from Goldthwaite. A vehicle description was given. Deputy Brown along with Texas DPS Trooper Clayton Arredondo searched for the vehicle and located it on Hwy 183. Deputy Brown located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on it. The wanted person identified as 28 year old Tobias Allen Garcia of Brady was located in the vehicle. Garcia was arrested for several outstanding warrants including Assault Causes Bodily Injury/Family Member and Evading Arrest/Detention, both out of Brady, Texas, and warrant out of Tom Green County for Surety Withdrawl/Evading Arrest/Detention. Also in the vehicle was 35 year old Jamie Lynn Maxwell of Goldthwaite, Texas. Maxwell was arrested for outstanding warrants out of Brady, Texas for Hinder Apprehension/Prosecution. Maxwell was later released on $1,500 bond. Garcia was released on bonds totaling $6,500. On March 13, Deputy Johnny Brown conducted a traffic stop on a Chrysler van on Hwy 183. The driver was identified as 62 year old Bobby Eugene Gwinn of Abilene, Texas. During a consensual search Gwinn was found to be in possession of Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia and a quantity of Methamphetamine on his person. He was subsequently arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance PG1 (<1g). He was later released on $5,000 bond. On March 14, DPS Trooper Jeffrey Owens conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet passenger car on Hwy 183. The driver was identified as 18 year old Sara Nicole Lambright of Dale, Texas. The passengers in the vehicle were identified as 17 year old Carson Kelley of Bastrop, Texas and 18 year old Makayla Turner of Cedar Creek, Texas. During the stop Trooper Owens noticed an odor of Burnt Marijuana. During the subsequent search multiple items of Drug Paraphernalia were located along with multiple fake ID cards and a quantity of Marijuana. Lambright was arrested and charged with Possession of a False Driver License/ID and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Kelley was arrested and charged with Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence W/Intent to Impair, Possession of Marijuana (<2oz), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and False Driver License/ID. He was later released on bonds totaling $11,200. Turner was arrested and charged with False Driver License/ID. She was later released on On March 16, Deputy Johnny Brown conducted a traffic stop on a white van on Hwy 183. The driver was identified as 24 year old Shakobee Donyea Taylor of Killeen, Texas. During the stop Deputy Brown smelled the odor of burnt Marijuana. During the subsequent search a quantity of Marijuana was located. Taylor was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana (<2oz) and an outstanding warrant for Theft out of Bell County. He was later released on bonds totaling $3,500. On March 19, Deputy Daniel Garza responded to a report of an intoxicated person at a local church. The intoxicated person was located and identified as 52 year old Kelley Knight of Goldthwaite, Texas. Due to her severe intoxication she was arrested and charged with Public Intoxication. She was released the next day after paying a fine. On March 20, 56 year old Randall Hudson of Kyle, Texas was arrested in Hays County on a Mills County warrant for Bail Jumping and Failure to Appear on a Felony. He was transferred back to Mills County and later released on a $60,000 bond. On March 22, Deputy Johnny Brown arrested 25 year old Hector Vaquera on an outstanding Mills County warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance PG1 (>1g <200g) in a Drug Free Zone. During the arrest Vaquera was found to be in possession of multiple Marijuana smoking devices. He was later released on $20,000 bond.

On March 24, DPS Trooper Jeffrey Owens conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota pickup on Hwy 183. The driver was identified as 35 year old Charlie Lynn Gibson of Durango, Colorado. During the stop Trooper Owens detected the odor of burnt Marijuana. During the subsequent search a quantity of Marijuana “wax/resin” was located along with a quantity of Marijuana. Gibson was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana (<2oz) and Possession of a Controlled Substance PG2 (>2g <400g). He was later released on bonds totaling $16,000. On March 25, Deputy James Purcell responded to a report of an Assault that had occurred at a residence in Mullin. It was determined that an Assault had occurred and Deputy Purcell arrested 17 year old Mason Wayne Spivey of Mullin, Texas. He was charged with Assault causes Bodily Injury Family Member. He was later released on $2,500 bond. On March 27, Deputy James Purcell was working as Bailiff for CPS Court. During court Deputy Purcell arrested Justin Allen Lee for an outstanding Mills County Warrant for Bail Jumping and Failure to Appear. He was later released on $10,000 bond. On March 31, Trooper Jeffrey Owens conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet pickup on Hwy 183. The driver was identified as 61 year old Glenda Watson Campbell of Bangs, Texas. During the stop Trooper Owens detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Campbell. The subsequent investigation determined that Campbell was intoxicated. She was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated/3rd or More and Driving While License Invalid with Previous Convictions. She was later released on bonds totaling $14,250. On March 31, Lampasas DPS Trooper Monty Carol arrested 27 year old Michaelangelo Garza Amaya of Dublin, Texas during a traffic stop in Mills County for a Parole warrant. The charge was Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. He was later transferred back to Comanche County.On April 1, Deputy James Purcell responded to a report of a suspicious person lying next to the roadway on Hwy 16 North. The subject was located and identified as 22 year old Julian Ortega of Austin, Texas. Ortega advised he had a warrant for his arrest and he wanted to be arrested. Deputy Purcell verified that Ortega was in fact wanted from the Parole Division of TDC for Aggravated Assault by Public Servant. Has later transferred to TDC custody.On April 5, DPS Trooper Clayton Arredondo arrested 22 year old Codell Dashun Dorsey of Abilene during a traffic stop. Dorsey was arrested for Possession of Marijuana (<2oz) and a warrant for Bail Jumping and Failure to Appear out of Bell County. He was later released to Bell County.On April 6, DPS Trooper Clayton Arredondo conducted a traffic stop on a Nissan SUV. The driver was identified as 28 year old Larry Dwayne Hall of Killeen, Texas. A driver’s license check revealed that Halls license was suspended. He was arrested for Driving While License Invalid with Previous Convictions. He was later released on $$1,750 bond.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office needs the public’s assistance locating persons involved in a vehicle theft. On February 28, 2018 we took a report of a motor vehicle theft from Priddy, Texas. The vehicle stolen was a 2000 model Ford F350, white in color. The vehicle is a ranch truck with a flatbed. Mounted on the bed are hay forks, creep feeder and large toolbox. The vehicle was taken on February 28, 2018 at approximately 10:00am. Witnesses saw the vehicle leave the property followed by another vehicle, a 2003 Ford F250 crew-cab, brown in color with a solver toolbox. We believe that vehicle is the same one stolen from the Evant area the previous day. Both vehicles were captured on surveillance video travelling South through Priddy on Hwy 16S shortly after the theft.

Comanche County and Hamilton County are investigating similar vehicle thefts that occurred around the same time. There have also been burglaries involved with the vehicle thefts.

If you have any information on these thefts please contact the Mills County Sheriff’s Office (325) 648-2245 or Heart of Texas Crime Stoppers 1 800-222-8477.

Please remember to remove keys from your vehicles and lock them. These vehicles were stolen from places where they could not be seen from the roadway and from barns.

Sheriff Clint Hammonds reported numerous arrests in Mills County in the month of January through February. On January 18th, 23 year old Dequon Jamar Cole of Brownwood, Texas was arrested on an outstanding warrant from Mills County Court for the offense of failure to appear and motion to revoke probation for fail to identify fugitive from justice. On January 26, 2018, Martin County Sheriff’s Office arrested 24 year old Andrew Wylliam Davis on a Mills County warrant for the offense of possession of marijuana less than 5 pounds. The warrant for Davis was the result of an earlier investigation in a possession case. Then on January 27th, Mills County deputies conducted a traffic stop for a moving violation and made contact with the occupants Mitchell Paden Bilotta (driver) Elle Renae Sage (passenger) both 22 years of age from Abilene, Texas. During the contact deputies detected the smell of burning marijuana emitting from the vehicle. A probable cause search was conducted and approximately 4.5 ounces of marijuana were recovered from the vehicle. Both subjects were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana over 4 ounces but less than 5 pounds. On January 30th, 56 year old Coleen Kaye Ingram was arrested for an outstanding warrant for motion to revoke probation for possession of marijuana. Ingram is still in custody serving time for this offense.

On February 7th, 28 year old Erica Nichol Bynum was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of 35th District Court for motion to revoke and failure to appear for felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Bynum remains in the Mills County jail and is awaiting trial. On February 8, 2018, Mills County Deputies responded to a report of a suspicious person in car at a local business. Deputies spotted the vehicle traveling east on US 84 and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Deputies identified 47 year old Max Charles Walker of Idalou, Texas. Walker was highly intoxicated on an unknown substance and placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. Deputies then searched the vehicle and found a package of methamphetamine in the vehicle. Walker was on his way for a job interview in the medical field and was also in possession of a fake urine test kit to deceive the detection of narcotics in one’s body. Walker was also charged with possession of a controlled substance. On February 7th, 27 year old Naomi Salung Ganaha of Killeen was booked into the Mills County Jail from Lampasas charged with felony injury to the elderly. Ganaha stopped in a local business in 2017 and began shoplifting items. When store employees confronted the individual she assaulted one of the owners who is elderly. Ganaha has not been able to make bond and will remain in the Mills County Jail until her trial. Then on February 9th, Deputies responded to a report of a 911 call of a family assault that was in process. Deputies were advised that the 911 call was disconnected. Deputies responding to the residence saw the suspect, 30 year old Mitchell David Fletcher of Goldthwaite, leaving the residence. Deputies attempted to stop Fletcher but he fled the scene in his vehicle and deputies began a pursuit. Fletcher finally stopped at a residence in the 900 block of Fifth Street where he exited his vehicle but refused demands of the deputies to cooperate. Fletcher was then shot with a Taser and quickly complied with demands. It was then discovered that a minor child was a passenger in the vehicle while the deputies were in pursuit. Fletcher was charged with numerous felonies and misdemeanors to include #1. Interference with 911 call, #2 Assault against family member by strangulation (2 counts), #3 Endangering a child, #4 Fleeing, #5 Criminal Mischief, #6 Resisting arrest and #7 reckless driving. Fletcher is currently free on bond and awaiting trial. On February 16th, Mills County Deputies stopped a vehicle for speeding south of Goldthwaite on US 183. Deputies made contact with the driver, 17 year old Madison Jade Mays of Brownwood, Texas, for the violation and immediately could smell the odor of marijuana emitting from inside the vehicle. A Probable cause search revealed a small amount of marijuana and prescription pills not belonging to Mays. She was arrested for possession of marijuana less than 2 ounces and possession of a controlled substance both misdemeanor offenses.

Sheriff Clint Hammonds reports numerous arrests through the month of December 2017 and January 2018. On December 1, 2017 44 year old Christopher Edward Payne of Goldthwaite was arrested for Theft over $750. Payne was employed at a local business and obtained some tires from the business without paying for them. On December 3, 2017 Texas DPS Troopers conducted a traffic stop on Paul Anthony Gallardo 29 of Brownwood, Texas. Gallardo was arrested for Credit Card Abuse, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana and Fail to identify fugitive from justice. On December 15, 2017 37 year old Timothy Howard Graham of Little Rock, Arkansas was arrested for motion to revoke probation for credit card abuse. Graham is still currently in the Mills County Jail. On December 17, 2017 Damien Gus Carman was arrested for fail to appear for DWI charge and has since been released. On December 17, 2017, Mills County Deputies responded to a 911 call of a disturbance on County Road 130. Deputies arrived and identified individuals as one male victim and one male suspect 61 year old Henry Thomas Mangham of Mullin, Texas. During the course of the investigation the victim had stated that Mangham had pulled a .44 caliber handgun on him and the victim was able to fend off Mangham during a physical altercation at which point the handgun discharged. Mangham was placed under arrest for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. On December 28, 2017 Mills County Deputies stopped a vehicle in Mullin for a traffic violation. The driver 36 year old Brandi Spivey of Mullin was arrested after a consent search revealed that she was in possession of drug paraphernalia. Further evidence was seized resulting in Spivey being charged with possession of methamphetamine less than one gram.

Then on December 31, 2017 Mills County deputies responded to a report of a 911 hang up call at a residence on Farm Road 572. Deputies made contact with a pregnant female (victim) and Marc James Daniel Meyer 22 of Goldthwaite, Texas. The victim was attempting to call 911 due to a disturbance at the residence and Meyer interrupted the call. Deputies arrived on scene and found that the victim had been assaulted. Meyer was arrested for assault causes bodily injury to a family member and interference with a 911 call. On this same date, deputies responded to a report of a one vehicle accident on TX 16 south of Goldthwaite. Deputies arrived and found no one around the vehicle. A short time later a male individual arrived at the office stating that he was the driver of the vehicle and that the passenger was at a house in Goldthwaite and might possibly be hurt. Deputies went to a residence in 1300 block of Fisher Street to conduct a welfare check. When the occupants of the home answered the door deputies could smell the strong odor of marijuana emitting from inside the house. Deputies gained consent and recovered several items related to possession and use of narcotics. Tanya Jo Norton 43 of Goldthwaite was arrested for possession of cocaine and the other male occupants of the house were not arrested at the time. Investigators will be seeking warrants for the other individuals involved and they will be identified in a press release after their arrest.

On January 2, 2018 Mills County Deputies responded to a report of an unwanted individual at the Senior Center located on the square. Deputies arrived and identified the subject as 54 year old Roy Edward Bennett of Goldthwaite. Bennett had previously been warned not to enter the property resulting in his arrest for criminal trespass. On January 4, 2018 Mills County Deputies were on routine patrol when they found a female subject staggering in the middle of the 1400 block of Trent Street. The 37 year old female, Brandy Marie Johnson of Seabrook, Texas was found to be intoxicated on some sort of narcotic and placed under arrest. During the arrest the female directed deputies to a residence in the same block where she had just left. Deputies then went to the residence and met with 34 year old Brad Weldon Tucker of Goldthwaite where he admitted to being in possession of illegal narcotics and gave deputies consent to search the residence. Tucker was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance in a drug free zone due to the residence being in proximity of GISD Middle and High Schools. This same date 20 year old Brandon Wayne Horton of Mullin was arrested for a parole violation warrant for felony evading arrest. On January 19, 2018 Ronnie Myers 43 of Goldthwaite was arrested on a warrant for violation of a protective order. On January 20, 2018 Texas DPS Troopers conducted a traffic stop on 23 year old Cristian Guadalupe Arredondo of Goldthwaite. During the contact Troopers discovered, based on Arredondo’s admission, that he had thrown marijuana out of the vehicle prior to being stopped. Arredondo was arrested for felony tampering with evidence and has since made bond. Michael Gonzalez 22 of Goldthwaite was arrested on a warrant for criminal mischief involving an earlier investigation. On January 20, 2018 Michael Butler 45 of Goldthwaite was arrested after being indicted by a Mills County Grand Jury for felony cruelty to non-livestock animals. Butler turned himself in and bonded out the same day.

Finally on January 21, 2018 Mills County Deputies and Texas DPS Troopers responded to a report of a 911 call in the 1600 block of Priddy Road in reference to a man with a gun. Officers met with the caller in the yard and stated that 47 year old Jarred Lee Williams of Goldthwaite was in the house with a gun and that she feared he was going to harm himself. The caller stated that it was her husband and that he had discharged a gun in their bedroom. Officers made entry into the residence and were able to place Williams into custody. Officers noted that there were several bullet holes inside the bedroom and that Williams was extremely intoxicated. Williams was charged with felony deadly conduct and placed in the Mills County Jail.

Sheriff Clint Hammonds reported that the recent months deputies had been busy focusing on sex offenders in Mills County with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Mills County Deputies served several warrants on local sex offenders for numerous violations of their reporting standards. Sheriff Hammonds stated that all of the sex offender charges are felonies and he and his staff will continue to monitor these offenders to ensure they are in compliance. On October 19, 2017 Geneva Costello 38 of Temple, Texas was arrested for several Surety Withdrawal warrants for Possession of Methamphetamine and fail to identify by giving fictious information. Also on this same date John Westley Gossett 40 of Mullin, Texas was arrested for failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance in a drug free zone and failure to register as sex offender. On October 20, 2017 26 year old John Thomas Hopkins of Lometa, Texas was arrested for driving while license suspended and 23 year old Andrew Wylliam Davis of Comanche was arrested for possession of marijuana over 4 ounces but less than 5 pounds. On October 25, 2017 David Kendall Gossett 44 of Mullin, Texas was arrested for unlawful possession of firearm by felon. Then 22 year old Michael Allen Moore of Clovis, New Mexico was extradited back on a warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. On October 31, 2017 32 year old Stephanie Lee Cisneros of Goldthwaite was arrested on a warrant for Assault against family member surety withdrawal. Trevor Dotson Williams 38 of Goldthwaite was arrested on a warrant for failure to comply with sex offender registration. On November 2, 2017 26 year old Adalberto DeLeon of Dublin, Texas was arrested on a Mills County Warrant for the felony offense of theft of livestock valued at over $10,000 but less than $150K. On November 8, 2017 Matthew James Jackson 48 of Goldthwaite was arrested on a warrant for failure to comply with sex offender registration. Then on November 13, 2017 21 year old Haley Phillips was arrested on a warrant for motion to adjudicate probation for prohibited sexual conduct. On November 15, 2017 54 year old Roy Edward Bennett of Goldthwaite was arrested for disorderly conduct on Sixth Street in Goldthwaite. Shortly afterwards Mills County Deputies were at a residence in the 1700 Block of Earl Street assisting family protective services in the removal of a child. During the removal 44 year old Victor Bostick of Goldthwaite approached the residence in a vehicle from the public street and narrowly missed deputies and bystanders. Bostick became very volatile towards deputies and was shot with Taser multiple times. Bostick was charged with Reckless driving, resisting arrest. Once in the patrol car Bostick kicked the patrol car door causing damage to the door. Bostick at that point was also charged with criminal mischief.

Sheriff Clint Hammonds reports several arrests for the month of September and the beginning of October. On September 6, 2017, Sharon Kay Johnson of Gatesville, TX was arrested on several Mills County felony warrants for Forgery Financial Instrument and Forgery Financial Instrument Elderly. The warrants stemmed from an investigation that began in June after the Mills County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Mills County State Bank regarding a transaction they believed to be a forgery. On September 13, 2017 as a result of a sentence imposed by County Judge Fulk, Whitney Faye of Austin, TX was arrested on a Class B Misdemeanor Motion to Revoke for failing to abide by terms of her probation. On September 14, 2017, deputies responded to the Driver’s License Office at the Mills County Courthouse where Hanna Marie Couch of Azle, TX was arrested for an outstanding warrant out of Parker County. On September 22, 2017, Investigator Stephanie Brown took a report of Injury to a Child. As a result of her investigation, an arrest warrant was issued and, Jacob Carlton of Mullin was arrested at his residence. On September 23, 2017 after initiating a traffic stop, Deputy Johnny Brown arrested Charis Lamar Threats for Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana and a Misdemeanor traffic offense. The vehicle Mr. Threats was operating along with cash located in the vehicle was seized and will be subject to forfeiture for being used during the commission of a felony. On October 10, 2017 dispatch received a call of a disturbance on Lee St. Upon arrival, contact was made with the individual in question who was visibly intoxicated. Laythan Allen Wallace of Goldthwaite was arrested for Public Intoxication and transported to the Mills County Jail. On October 12, 2017, based on ongoing narcotics investigations, 3 people were arrested at a residence in Goldthwaite; Janet Frances Johnson of Goldthwaite for 2 counts of Felony Theft of Firearm, Misdemeanor Possession of Dangerous Drug and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Jeffrey Joseph Cancel Jr. of Goldthwaite for 2 counts of Felony Possession of Controlled Substance along with Misdemeanor counts of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Jessika Marie Delgado of Goldthwaite was also arrested for 2 Felony counts of Possession of Controlled Substance and Misdemeanor counts of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. A Mills County Grand Jury recently issued an indictment against Roque Gonzales of Goldthwaite for Theft of Property. A warrant was issued, and Gonzales was arrested at his residence on October 15, 2017.